27 May 2020
Rise of the Gap Year as A Level Results Issued
Black Diamond

Rise of the Gap Year as A Level Results Issued

‘Year Outs’ will be back in big time

As A Level results get awarded on 13th August, and with a number of universities set to begin the new term’s lectures online (some until summer 2021) - despite a backlash against paying full tuition fees without the on-campus experience, we predict that many students will decide to delay their placements this year and spend tuition fees on travel instead.

Australia, Asia and America have always been popular destinations with the Gap Year backpacker market. Places where those looking to explore a destination more in depth, and can contribute to the local economy where possible, can have an unforgettable life experience that has in recent years been replaced with work.

The USA

California www.visitcalifornia.com

California is every gap year adventurer’s dream -  endless beaches for surfing, the freedom of road-tripping and ticking off those popular culture references. The Golden State isn’t often considered a typical gap-year destination, but with endless National and State Parks that are perfect for camping and RV trips, open fire pits at Huntington Beach, as well as hip hostels that have affordable private rooms from San Diego and LA to San Francisco and Napa, students will be pleasantly surprised at how much bang that will get for their buck.

Get an unforgettable fix and enjoy affordable wine tastings in Sonoma, or explore the natural, free beauty that is Yosemite National Park. For jaw-dropping hiking head to the desert outside of Greater Palm Springs where travellers can camp under the stars at Joshua Tree National Park and visit the kitsch vintage stores in Yucca Valley. Or, for budding photographers, take a road-trip along Highway 395 and see the other side of California - Death Valley, Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe.

For train lovers, Amtrak is another lesser-known and cost-effective option with eight routes running through California that track through dramatic snow-covered peaks, redwood forests, fertile valleys and the Pacific Ocean in one journey!

Colorado www.colorado.com

Colorado offers stunning scenery from mountains to canyons and funky, vibrant cities such as the Mile High city of Denver. Ideal for a road trip, with that little bit more of the unknown, Colorado has plenty of places where travellers can camp completely free and take in the sights.

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is free to enter for all, and even some of the natural spas are free to visit, such as Conundrum Hot Springs. Explore Colorado’s rich mining history and visit one of the numerous ghost towns or simply float down the river at Steamboat Springs. Exploring the Centennial State is easy and doesn't have to cost a thing - perfect for those on a backpacker budget.

Japan

www.japan.travel/en

With Michellin starred restaurants in Tokyo offering a bowl of ramen for under £10, backpackers can afford to experience Japan at its best without a hefty price tag. Camping and glamping are increasingly popular options for travellers in Japan, as well as capsule hotels which offer guests their own private pod for significantly less than a regular hotel.

Whilst the Japan Rail Network is unbeatable in terms of travel time and experience, those looking to keep costs down would be encouraged to self-drive. The Japanese drive on the same side of the road as in the UK and big cities even have some signage in english, making it easy to get around. Hire an English sat-nav and explore those hard to reach regions for a truly Japanese experience.

Those looking to stay a little longer can opt for a ski season in one of the many resorts spread throughout Japan. With 70% of the country considered mountainous, travellers will be spoilt for choice. Companies such as Bunac specialise in securing jobs and working visas for Brits in ski resorts, with a range of roles on and off the slopes available.

For the ultimate gap year experience, travellers can sign up to the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. Participants will be placed at locations across Japan with contracts generally lasting one year increments. The scheme, set up by Japanese government in 1987, aims to improve foreign language teaching in schools and encourage a culture swap between participants and students. Those who chose this option will not only be welcomed into a local community but have the opportunity to give back, making it all the more worthwhile.

Thailand

www.fanclubthailand.co.uk

Thailand remains one of South East Asia's most popular destinations for backpackers and gap years. More than just a full moon party paradise, many rewarding (and cost-effective) experiences await any traveller; from exploring ancient ruins, jungle treks, community living, diving courses, Muay Thai boxing and cooking courses, to simply unwinding on one of Thailand's numerous idyllic beaches and islands.

Getting around is cheap so it’s easy to hop on a train and head off the beaten track to southern hidden gems, such as Trat, Rayong and Ranong, or north to Pai, Lampang, Phrae and Nan for nature and rural communities.

There's a range of accommodation options for all budgets; from £10 beach huts, camping and floating river rafts to budget hotels and homestays. Thailand's famous Thai smile awaits wherever you lay your head. Travellers can stay in Thailand for 30 days visa-free at a time - re-entry is permitted. Passports must have 6 months validity. Thailand is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel but the requirement to self-isolate on return to the UK from Thailand remains in place. However, Foreign nationals are not currently permitted to enter or transit through Thailand. The kingdom has introduced a nationwide Safety & Health Administration Certification to ensure the ongoing welfare of travellers.

Australia

www.australia.com

Australia is synonymous with the Working Holiday Visa available to those aged 18-30 and is the ideal way to supplement Gap Year expenses with working in the local community and giving something back during travels. Recent changes to the Working Holiday Maker Visa also mean there is now the option for British and Irish travellers to stay for up to three years.

It seems Australia is built for backpackers, with world-famous beaches, plentiful campgrounds and open barbeques. Campervan rentals are easy to come by and the appeal (and left-hand drive ease) of self-driving in such an awesome country is unquestionable.

Reciprocal healthcare will be key in our new normal world of travel, and Australia is the only country (outside the current EU status) to offer this to British travellers. Currently, borders are closed and only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia - all of whom are required to quarantine for 14 days. 

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This release was compiled by Black Diamond on behalf of Visit California and Colorado Tourism Office, in conjunction with Tourism Thailand, South Australia Tourism Commission and Tourism Queensland.

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